Chinatown

San Francisco

Chinatown which includes street scenes
Chinatown
Chinatown which includes signage, street scenes and a city
Chinatown which includes street scenes
Chinatown showing street scenes

San Francisco Chinatown is a colourful treat for visitors. Packed with authentic restaurants, exotic shops, ornate temples and buzzing food markets.

As one of the most densely populated and vibrant areas of the United States, this place hasn’t been without drama during its 160-year existence. It has witnessed turf wars, opium dens, bootleggers and secret clubs and societies. It also even had an unhealthy dose of bubonic plague. This colourful past has helped to shape the rich character of its contemporary culture making it one of San Francisco’s most popular districts to visit. In common with many other San Francisco districts, the Chinatown area was rebuilt after the 1906 earthquake and its resulting fires that destroyed large areas of the city. Today it’s a distinctive and striking area.

Begin your Chinatown experience at Chinatown Gate, located at the intersection of Bush Street and Grant Avenue. You can’t miss this entrance with its pagoda-topped design. The ceremonial entrance to the area is decorated with ornamental dragons and is guarded at either side by stone Fu dogs.

Come inside for an authentic experience. The markets sell live turtles and chickens and a host of other animals. Located down a back alley, known as Ross Alley, you’ll stumble across the Golden Gate Fortune Cookie Factory. Your nose will guide you there. Inhale the distinctive delicious aromas as you approach. This is the only hand-made fortune cookie maker in San Francisco, which makes cookies of all varieties and sizes. You’re welcome to step inside to see the cookies being made and best of all, you can buy a bag of freshly-baked cookies to take away with you.

Not to be missed is the abundance of Chinese restaurants serving up a huge variety of authentic Chinese cuisine. There are dim sum restaurants and souvenir shops galore in the main tourist area but don’t just stick to the main streets. Head off down the labyrinth of back alleys where you’ll discover a different world with many a secluded gem secreted away waiting to be discovered.

The sights, smells and sounds of Chinatown are highly distinctive and will stay with you for a long time after you visit. It really should be on every visitor’s schedule. Chinatown is well within walking distance from the downtown area. Streetcars also service the area.


Popular places to visit

Things to do


Top hotels in Chinatown

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco

5 out of 5
600 Stockton St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P21,556 per night from Sep 1 to Sep 2
P21,556
P28,117 total
Sep 1 - Sep 2
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy 2 restaurants, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Absolutely love staying here! Club level is wonderful, staff is top notch!"

Reviewed on Aug 13, 2025

The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco
Orchard Garden Hotel

Orchard Garden Hotel

4 out of 5
466 Bush St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P7,409 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P7,409
P8,848 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a rooftop terrace, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (1,003 reviews)
"The bed was the most comfortable bed I have ever slept on at a hotel!"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Orchard Garden Hotel
Grant Plaza Hotel

Grant Plaza Hotel

2 out of 5
465 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA
The price is P5,072 per night from Sep 2 to Sep 3
P5,072
P5,969 total
Sep 2 - Sep 3
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and a business center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,005 reviews)
Good location in the heart of Chinatown
"Good location, cozy rooms, the noise outside can be a nuisance, but the location makes up for it. the rooms are clean and the property is well kept and safe."

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Grant Plaza Hotel
Hilton San Francisco Financial District

Hilton San Francisco Financial District

4 out of 5
750 Kearny St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P6,774 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P6,774
P7,973 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy breakfast (surcharge), a fitness center, and WiFi (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,629 reviews)
"Beautiful Hotwl"

Reviewed on Aug 15, 2025

Hilton San Francisco Financial District
Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf

4 out of 5
2500 Mason St, San Francisco, CA
The price is P7,511 per night from Aug 19 to Aug 20
P7,511
P11,186 total
Aug 19 - Aug 20
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this eco-certified hotel in San Francisco. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (6,651 reviews)
"Nice breakfast"

Reviewed on Aug 12, 2025

Hotel Riu Plaza Fisherman's Wharf
Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1177 Airport Blvd, Burlingame, CA
The price is P5,522 per night from Aug 17 to Aug 18
P5,522
P6,278 total
Aug 17 - Aug 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Burlingame. Enjoy free WiFi, room service, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
7.6/10 Good! (2,033 reviews)
"............."

Reviewed on Aug 14, 2025

Crowne Plaza San Francisco Airport by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Chinatown

Union Square which includes a high rise building and a city

Union Square

Known for its charming cafes and popular shops, there's plenty to explore in Union Square. Check out top attractions like Westin St Francis Hotel Glass Elevators and Union Square, and jump on the metro at Powell St & Geary Blvd Stop or Powell St & Post St Stop to see more of the city.

Union Square
Nob Hill featuring street scenes and a city

Nob Hill

Travelers love Nob Hill for its popular shops, and you can see more of San Francisco by jumping on the metro at Washington St & Leavenworth St Stop or Washington St & Jones St Stop. You might spend time checking out top sights like Grace Cathedral and SF Masonic Auditorium.

Nob Hill
Financial District - Ferry Building

Financial District

Enjoy the popular shops in Financial District. Embarcadero Center is a worthwhile stop, and you can jump on the metro at California St & Front St Stop or California St & Battery St Stop to see more of San Francisco.

Financial District
North Beach featuring a city and skyline

North Beach

Pier 39 and San Francisco Bay are top sights in North Beach, and you should be sure to explore the popular shops. Hop aboard the metro at Columbus Ave & Lombard St Stop or Columbus Ave & Chestnut St Stop to see more sights in the area.

North Beach
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Russian Hill

Spend some time visiting places like Macondray Lane while getting to know Russian Hill, and be sure to check out the beaches. You can hop aboard the metro at Hyde St & Filbert St Stop or Hyde St & Union St Stop to see more of the area.

Russian Hill
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Downtown San Francisco

Known for its fascinating museums, popular shops, and acclaimed art galleries, there's plenty to explore in Downtown San Francisco. Top attractions like Oracle Park and Chase Center are major draws. Catch the metro at Market St & 5th St Stop or Market St & Taylor St Stop to see more of the city.

Downtown San Francisco

Chinatown